If you are faced with the prospect of a culture change project, you may feel overwhelmed at the scope of this project. Relax. Corporate culture change is possible and can be quite simple if you focus on the small, daily actions and conversations that are required to change corporate culture.

The energy fields that make up corporate culture are dynamic and change continuously. Corporate culture is created and constantly reinforced on a daily basis through conversations, symbols, rituals, written materials, and body language. It is the small, mundane actions and behaviors that create a corporate culture and can shift a corporate culture.

Since a culture is created every time a group of people come together to form a team, a company will have many sub-cultures that exist within its main culture. For example, the marketing and technology teams may have different worldviews, jargon, work hours, and ways to do things. A big challenge for today's company is to create a strong, cohesive corporate culture that pulls all of the sub-cultures together and ensures that they can work as a unified team.

Creating and sustaining a healthy, vibrant culture requires reinforcement of the culture through daily and proactive conversations and communications. The failure to discuss the values, purpose, and rules within a group often leads to a culture that is at cross purposes with the stated intention of the group. Poor communication creates a lot of confusion and often a crisis of meaninglessness.

Most companies try to "fix" perceived problems by addressing the parts of the corporate culture that are easy to see. Some quick-fixes include holding Friday TGIF parties and company picnics or adding fringe benefits and perks. None of these actions will have a powerful or lasting effect on a company's culture.

If you are unsure of how to proceed, consider investing in CultureBuilders' comprehensive Culture Building Program. It is a do-it-yourself program that guides you every step of the way.